27 B.C. - A.D. 14 Augustus Silver Tetradrachm of Antioch, Year 27

We are very pleased to offer you the historic silver Tetradrachm of Augustus from Antioch. Depicting Ancient Rome’s celebrated first emperor, who reigned from 27 B.C. to A.D. 14, this coin was hand struck in the great provincial city of Antioch – honored on the reverse.

These legendary coins of Biblical times were hand struck close to the time when Jesus was believed to have been born. And they were among the most prominent coins used to pay the hated temple tax, about which Jesus speaks in the biblical accounts of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Weighing about 15 grams and containing over 75% silver, these large attractive pieces are similar to the coinage circulated by Seleucid emperors in Syria before being conquered by Rome in 64 B.C.

The sought-after portrait of Rome’s first emperor is surrounded by a Greek inscription translating to “Of Caesar Augustus”. The reverse features the seated goddess Tyche – symbol and deity of ancient Antioch – holding a palm branch and wearing the gates of the city upon her head (see enlargement). To the lower right is the river god Orontes, swimming the major river through Antioch that bears his name.

We were very fortunate to find a small quantity of these prized Augustus coins, as they usually turn up just one or two at a time and are almost never found in groups. In addition, these silver Tetradrachms have been preserved in these conditions for more than 2,000 years, and feature impressive design details. Don’t miss this great opportunity to own one of the most famous and soughtafter coins from Biblical times and Ancient Rome!